Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has been recognised as one of the Global Listening Centre’s ’25 Most Outstanding Women Listeners in the World’ for 2023.
She was given the award for her “exceptional listening skills” and “unwavering commitment to fostering effective communication in the field of politics”, a government press release said.
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, head of the civil service, also received an honour – the ‘Listening Legend Award’.
The award recognised his “unwavering commitment to promoting effective listening through his exceptional contributions to Caymanian society”, the press release added.
Dr David McMahan, executive chair of the Global Listening Centre, announced the winners during a gala at The Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman on 25 Nov.
O’Connor-Connolly, who served as the keynote speaker at the event, accepted her award and expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
“The art of listening is fundamental to politics, and it is a skill that I have cultivated throughout my 28 years of public service in the Cayman Islands,” she said.
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised for my contributions in this regard.”
The premier joins a distinguished group of honourees, including Sahle-Work Zewde, the first female president of Ethiopia, and former German chancellor Angela Merkel.
Other past winners include South African politician and humanitarian Graça Machel, and noted Korean journalist, social activist and politician Park Ji-hyun.
Manderson was unable to attend. Governor Jane Owen received the award on his behalf.
She also delivered greetings and revealed the names of the top five women listeners in the field of humanitarian services.
The Global Listening Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting effective listening as a tool for positive change.
It established the ’25 Most Outstanding Women Listeners’ award to honour those who have made significant contributions to their communities with their exceptional listening skills.
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